Feature

Development: A Pillar of US Foreign PolicySecretary Clinton Discusses Development in the 21st Century

"We are adopting a model of development based on partnership, not patronage [and] working to elevate development and integrate it more closely with defense and diplomacy in the field."

Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State
Washington, DC, January 6, 2010

WASHINGTON, DC, Jan 06 -- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton discussed Development in the 21 st Century at the Peterson Institute for International Economics. In her remarks, Secretary Clinton announced that Dr. Raj Shah had been selected as the 16th Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development. She discussed how she has seen American aid working around the world - in Indonesia, Nicaragua, the West Bank, and in South Africa. She also explained why development in other countries matters to the American people and to our nation's security and prosperity. Read More»Background Briefing»

International

Protecting the Nation Against Extremists

"We will do whatever it takes to defeat them and defend our country, even as we uphold the values that have always distinguished America among nations."

Barack Obama, President of the United States
Washington, DC, January 2, 2010

WASHINGTON, DC, Jan 02 – In his weekly address, President Barack Obama discussed his solemn responsibility to protect the nation and the steps the administration has taken to that end. From ordering reviews into the attempted act of terrorism in Detroit to a comprehensive strategy that has refocused our efforts on the fight against al Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan and strengthened international partnerships to keep unrelenting pressure on extremists across the globe, the President will continue to do everything in his power to uphold the nation's security. Read More»

Climate Change Conference"As the world's largest economy and as the world's second largest emitter, America bears our responsibility to address climate change, and we intend to meet that responsibility. That's why we've renewed our leadership within international climate change negotiations. That's why we've worked with other nations to phase out fossil fuel subsidies. That's why we've taken bold action at home -- by making historic investments in renewable energy; by putting our people to work increasing efficiency in our homes and buildings; and by pursuing comprehensive legislation to transform to a clean energy economy."

Barack Obama, President of the United States
Copenhagen, Denmark, December 18, 2009

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK, Dec. 18 -- US President Barack Obama delivered remarks at the morning plenary session of the United Nations Climate Change Conference. In his remarks he outlined how the United States will continue to mitigate its emissions and move towards a clean energy economy. He laid out three pieces to a global accord in which we agree to certain steps, and to hold each other accountable to certain commitments. President Obama said, "Mitigation. Transparency. Financing. It's a clear formula -- one that embraces the principle of common but differentiated responses and respective capabilities. And it adds up to a significant accord -- one that takes us farther than we have ever gone before as an international community." President Obama's Remarks»Secretary Clinton's Remarks»

Secretary Meets with the Prime Minister of Qatar "Qatar is a friend and an ally of the United States and the partnership between our two countries is a model of the new beginning based on mutual respect and mutual interest that President Obama called for in Cairo."

Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State
Washington, DC, January 04, 2010

WASHINGTON, DC, Jan 04 -- Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton met with Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabr Al-Thani to discuss a wide range of important issues and how to deepen and broaden our partnership. Following their meeting, the two leaders delivered remarks to members of the press. Secretary Clinton said, "Among the matters that we consulted on, the situation in Yemen is a top concern. How can we work together and with others to stabilize Yemen, assist in securing its borders and providing for its people in combating al-Qaida. The instability in Yemen is a threat to regional stability and even global stability, and we're working with Qatar and others to think of the best way forward to try to deal with the security concerns. And certainly, we know that this is a difficult set of challenges, but they have to be addressed." Read More»

Inside the Beltway

Human Rights Agenda for the 21st Century

"ur human rights agenda for the 21st century is to make human rights a human reality, and the first step is to see human rights in a broad context."

"The United States is deeply concerned about reports that the National Assembly passed the Southern Sudan referendum bill with language added by the NCP that is different than that agreed to by NCP and SPLM leadership."

Ian Kelly, Spokesman
Washington, DC, December 23, 2009

WASHINGTON, DC, Dec. 23 -- State Department Spokesman Ian Kelly released a statement on behalf of the United States Government expressing concern about reports that Sudan's National Assembly passed the Southern Sudan referendum bill with language added by the National Congress Party (NCP) that is different than that agreed to by NCP and Sudan People's Liberation Army leadership. Read More»

"[W]e will take stock at the end of the year, see what has been accomplished on the track of engagement. But we have always indicated that available to us would be additional steps and – that would increase the pressure on Iran."

WASHINGTON, DC, DEC 22 -- During an on-the-record briefing with members of the media, PJ Crowley, Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs, discussed the recent protests in Iran. Crowley discussed how the Iranian people are finding ways to exercise their universal rights of freedom of assembly and freedom of speech through technology. Read More»

Global Issues Affecting the Nation

Michelle Kwan to visit South Korea

WASHINGTON, DC, Dec. 31 -- Michelle Kwan is visiting Korea for the U.S. Department of State January 3-9, 2010. This will be the figure skating champion's fifth tour in her role as a public diplomacy envoy under the auspices of the State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. During the seven day trip, Michelle will visit Seoul, Pyeongchang and Goyang. She will participate in a roundtable discussion with university students, visit several high schools, conduct skating clinics, participate in a Special Olympics program, and meet with U.S. Forces Korea on the Yongsan Military Garrison. Read More»

WASHINGTON, DC, Dec. 24 -- Secretary Clinton discussed the return of Sean Goldman to the United States. “I am thrilled that 9-year-old Sean Goldman was reunited with his father David Goldman earlier today in Rio de Janeiro and that they are flying home to New Jersey. I want to thank everyone who helped bring this long process to a successful conclusion, including a number of members of Congress and many concerned parties both here and in Brazil. We also appreciate the assistance and cooperation of the Government of Brazil in upholding its obligations under the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction. I offer my warmest wishes for father and son as they celebrate their first holiday season together in five years,” said Secretary Clinton.

United States will participate in UN Human Rights Periodic Review State Department Creates Website to Engage Civil Society on Human Rights Review Process

The U.S. Department of State has created a new website in connection with the United States' participation in the UN Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process. This new website will feature an inbox, which will allow the public to send ideas, comments, and analysis on issues relating to human rights in the United States. The UPR is a unique process which involves a review, once every four years, of the human rights records of each of the 192 UN Member States. The UPR will provide the U.S. the opportunity to share with the world the challenges, success stories and best practices of promoting and protecting human rights within our borders. We hope the website will increase our ability to communicate with civil society before, during, and after the process. Read More: Press Release»Universal Periodic Review Website»UPR Guidelines and Procedures»Frequently and Questions»